This session, the Rhode Island General Assembly missed opportunities to make progress on a wide range of environmental issues. CLF and other environmental organizations pushed for action on the climate crisis, toxic chemicals, and plastics pollution, but no substantial new laws were enacted. It was not a total loss, however, as we were successful in preventing passage of some harmful measures.
Jul 31
2019
2019
May 1
2019
2019
Rhode Island Lags Behind Neighbors on Climate
The Governor supported the concept of mandatory, enforceable, economy-wide reductions in carbon emissions during her re-election campaign. That said, she has not yet supported the only legislation that would make that a reality: the Global Warming Solutions Act (H-5444; S-658). This Act would ensure our state reduces its carbon pollution and combats climate change.
Apr 26
2019
2019
New Law Would Create Roadmap to Reach Net Zero Emissions by 2050
The 2050 Roadmap Act is a critical update to the state’s landmark Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). It will ensure Massachusetts’s nation-leading climate efforts remain tied to science while establishing a new framework for fairly and efficiently achieving our climate goals by 2050.
Nov 7
2018
2018
Five Ways to Build a Better, Cleaner Future for Massachusetts Transportation
Massachusetts’ transportation system needs bold actions now. These are CLF’s top five recommendations for how to build transportation for the future that can improve access, reduce emissions, and prepare for future climate impacts.
Oct 4
2018
2018
Landmark Law Leads to Climate Victory in Massachusetts
CLF dismissed three appeals challenging the permits for two new gas-fired power plants after Massachusetts’ highest court reaffirmed that lowering climate-damaging emissions is the law of the land in the Commonwealth.
Sep 11
2018
2018
New England Speaks Up at the Global Climate Action Summit
By many measures, our climate outlook here in the United States is grim. Our president denies the settled science of climate change. Our natural monuments are being pillaged for oil and gas. And a coal lobbyist now heads the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal entity charged with protecting our health, not endangering it. Despite these…
Sep 11
2018
2018
Massachusetts Stands with CLF Against Climate-Damaging Pollution
Last week, the highest court in Massachusetts unanimously ruled that power generators must drastically cut their carbon pollution year after year through 2050. In doing so, the high court recognized the incontrovertible fact that carbon pollution damages our climate, threatens our health, and hurts our economy. It was the second time the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial…
Aug 15
2018
2018
New England Can’t Fall Behind on Climate
You know that sinking feeling? The one where you think you’ve done a good job, but it turns out you didn’t? That’s the boat Vermont finds itself in when it comes to tackling climate change. We thought we were leading. But in fact, we are falling behind on our climate goals. Vermont’s climate-damaging emissions are…
Aug 8
2018
2018
Rhode Island General Assembly Fails to Make Progress on Environmental Initiatives, But Some Bad Bills Defeated
When the Rhode Island General Assembly convened for its 2018 session, CLF and our partners focused on several key measures aimed at combating climate change, reforming how energy projects are sited, and protecting our waters from offshore drilling. With progress on these issues stalled (or moving in reverse) at the national level, state and local…
Jul 31
2018
2018
Massachusetts Legislature Fails to Take Meaningful Action on Clean Energy
This week, Massachusetts had a chance to make meaningful progress on clean energy. With a slew of bills in front of them, the legislature was poised to minimize electricity costs, bolster local job growth, and protect its people from the worst effects of climate change. Instead, our legislators made only half-hearted nods towards progress, falling…